The distance between two consecutive crests in a stationary wave is:
Correct answer: C. 1/2 wavelength
- A. 1 wavelength
- B. 3/4 wavelength
- C. 1/2 wavelength
- D. 3/2 wavelength
Explanation
The correct answer is 1/2 wavelength. In a stationary wave, the distance between two consecutive crests is defined as half of a full wavelength. Each complete wavelength consists of one crest and one trough, hence the distance between consecutive crests is indeed half of that total length. Therefore, the distance between two crests is not the full wavelength (Option A), nor the incorrect fractions provided in Options B and D. Option A (1 wavelength) describes the entire wave cycle, while Options B (3/4 wavelength) and D (3/2 wavelength) do not accurately represent the distance between just two crests, making them incorrect as well.
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About Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
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